Kanu’s Broadcasts Incited Violence, Crippled South-East Economy — DSS Tells Court
DSS witness alleges smuggled radio transmitter used to enforce IPOB sit-at-home orders; court admits video evidence.
The Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday alleged that Nnamdi Kanu’s radio broadcasts directly contributed to the economic paralysis in Nigeria’s South-East region through the enforcement of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home orders.
Testifying before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the fourth prosecution witness, a DSS operative identified only as Mr DDD for security reasons, stated that Kanu’s messages incited violence and empowered IPOB’s militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“From my investigation, the defendant’s broadcasts directly contributed to economic paralysis in the South-East,” Mr DDD said during his testimony, led by prosecution counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
The DSS operative told the court that Kanu had smuggled a radio transmitter into Nigeria, concealing it among household items to evade customs checks. The device was allegedly hidden at the Ihiala residence of one Benjamin Madubougu in Anambra State.
A court-approved search of the residence reportedly led to the recovery of the transmitter, alongside firearms, cartridges, Indian hemp, and Biafran currency.
The court admitted as evidence:
A certified true copy of the search warrant
A video recording showing Kanu inspecting the transmitter, in which he described it as a “nuclear weapon” for Biafra
A flash drive containing 18 video clips and 16 radio broadcasts attributed to Kanu
A Vanguard newspaper publication quoting an alleged ESN member who claimed Kanu ordered the collection of 2,000 human heads for burial rites (only 30 were allegedly gathered)
A statement by Madubougu confirming no customs documents were provided for the transmitter
Despite objections from Kanu’s defence counsel, Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the court admitted the pieces of evidence, including the newspaper article and a certificate of compliance.
The prosecution also sought permission for the court to inspect the container housing the recovered transmitter and related items at the DSS facility within the Presidential Villa, a request that Justice Omotosho approved.
The judge adjourned proceedings and assured that the court would thoroughly review all submitted evidence.
The trial continues as Nnamdi Kanu faces multiple charges, including terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement, stemming from his leadership of the proscribed IPOB and his campaign for Biafra secession.
